Leaving home is never easy, especially at a young age and without your parents. Mexican American David Vazquez left home when he was 15 years old to pursue his dreams of developing as a professional soccer player in Philadelphia.
“It was difficult at the time. I was 15, and it was a hard decision for me and my family, but, if I wanted to make it to the next level, I had to take that decision and it ended up helping me really well,” the midfielder said. “I'm going from the Academy with the Union to the second Team to being a homegrown out there.”
The Los Angeles native, with the support of his family, left everything he knew and moved into a residency home with other out of state players. He looks back at his time in Philadelphia with nothing but gratitude. Before joining San Diego FC, Vazquez had signed with the Philadelphia Union’s first team in April 2024 after an outstanding performance with Union II in MLS NEXT Pro.
The 19-year-old played over 4,300 minutes with the developmental side, contributing 10 goals and eight assists in 57 matches. Vazquez also represented his country as his performances earned him a spot in U.S. youth national teams, including the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
“It's always an honor going out there and playing for your country, especially, playing in a big tournament. It's also a learning experience for me to implement my game that I learned here or in Philly, and to showcase out to the world,” added Vazquez.
He began playing soccer at three years old when he saw his brother playing. Like many, Vazquez wanted to do everything his brother did.
“I always wanted to do as well, so I saw him playing, and I was too young at the time to join a team, but I want to say somebody got hurt on his team and they had no one to put in and they threw me in because I would just play on the side, just watching and from there it was just like I was able to dribble the ball pretty good and make some passes at a young age and from there, I knew I wanted to play that sport," the LA native added.
Vazquez went on to play in middle school and later moved to Philadelphia until the Union loaned him to San Diego Football Club through 2025 with an included permanent trade option.
“Coming from a Mexican background, I think there's a lot of Mexicans in San Diego area, so it just felt like home, and it felt like, I could just go out there and play my game, so I was very happy about that,” said Vazquez.
Now that the midfielder is closer to Los Angeles, his family has been able to cheer him on in person and has helped with adjusting back in California.
“Just like any experience, I was going in here with the mentality that I had to earn my spot, nothing's going to be given to me. So from day one I was trying to go out there trying to impress the coaches, my teammates, and at the end of the day I was able to get some minutes, which I'm really thankful for the coaching staff and especially my teammates have helped me get to that point,” shared Vazquez. “Honestly, it helps me, having very talented guys around me to kind of push me, and I think being so close to family, is like a fuel to me. Now they're able to come to my games, which helps me in the games knowing that they're right there supporting me as well. So honestly, it's just an honor to be back home and playing back in California.”
The 19-year-old shared how grateful he is for everyone welcoming him to the San Diego FC Familia and how he’s learning from midfielder Anibal Godoy and forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
“I feel like they really helped me a lot. Chucky really helped me in the middle a lot, especially Godoy, they've been in the league for so long,” added the midfielder. “Chucky, this is his first year, but he's played all in Europe, so he has a lot of experiences, so him teaching me and being leaders to me really helped me especially when I get lost at times I feel like they're right there to pick me up and motivate me to keep going. I think what this Club has is special because there's not a lot of teams that have veterans that are better willing to help the younger guys.”
Since joining the Club, Vazquez has participated in the Leagues Cup, contributed an assist against Mazatlán’s 2-0 victory, made his MLS debut with SDFC on the Starting XI against Sporting Kansas City and started in two more matches in regular season play.
When Vazquez isn’t playing soccer, he can be found trying matcha shops, outdoors enjoying the sun, looking at cars, and streaming.
“One hobby that I like to do is I like to stream on the side. I play a lot of video games so in my off time, I like to broadcast my gaming skills to people,” the midfielder shared. “I stream on TikTok, so if you want to follow me. It's David1439.”
Catch Vazquez streaming on TikTok and cheer him on when the Club returns to Snapdragon Stadium for the Mexican Independence Celebration against Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente on Tuesday, September 16. Purchase your tickets here to be a part of Baja Cup!
